Rear Brakes

[bpossel]

When I pulled my rear brake pads out they had a thin black "plastic" plate (shim) sitting between the pads and the caliper pistons.

The new pads that I bought came with a thin "rubberized" type backing on them.  

Should I still re-install the thin plastic plates between the new pads and the pistons?

I attached a couple of pics. One shows the plates (shims), one shows a close-up of the parking brake adjuster... only if you havent seen yours before (not related to my question...)

Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Download Attachment: rear-brake1.jpg
57.44 KB

Download Attachment: parking-brake-adjuster.jpg
68.37 KB

Download Attachment: pad shim.jpg
1.91 KB

[ja17]

Hello Bob,
You do not need these shims. They are not original. I see you have new brake discs. Sometimes people would add shims after turning down the brake disc, which causes the piston to ride further out from the caliper. The shims would move the piston back making up for the thinner turned brake disc.

They could also be sometype of brake noise eliminator. You shouldnot need these either. Use disc brake paste to keep brakes quiet.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[bpossel]

Hi Joe!

Thanks for the advice.  I was hoping not to have to use the shims.  The discs are new.  I just installed 4 new ones in addition to putting in new pads.  I wasnt sure if the sims were for noise or for heat...  anyway makes sense that they may have been for turned rotors to fill in the gap.

Should have my car in good shape to make the trek to Ohio this summer.  Looking forward to meeting you and the rest.

Take care.
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Malc]

THey are definitely noise deading pads NOT for taking up space if you have had your disc's turned down
Word of warning it is tempting to skim disks (ok spelling changes) but make sure they do not end up below the minimum recommended thickness. If they do they will warp under excessive use.
Malc